I often get asked did you train to be a face painter? I have been so lucky along the years to have had the most fabulous training from many different face paint artists across the globe. From workshops and conventions that I have attended plus online training too. Face paint training at the very beginning can give you tips on good working practices and avoid picking up bad habits. It is a good investment but also you need to invest your time. Time to practice, time to create and put your designs to memory. If you can call on your designs from memory and produce with quality and speed then ever ..read more

Bamboo brushes! One of my many recent additions to my face paint/eco glitter kit. Made from sustainable bamboo, vegan and cruelty free! I really wanted to find brushes that had been sourced from a sustainable wood and avoided plastic. I was so excited with my new order of bamboo brushes for my glitter tattoos. All from sustainable bamboo and aluminium shaft from recycable aluminium, so low impact on the planet. Synthetic bristles also ensures that they are vegan and no animal cruelty. So excited to be taking this next step! They will be sitting comfortably in my kit next to the biodegradable g ..read more

During the summer in a year that seemed to be filled with lockdowns I set a task to complete my crafting projects. I was given the opportunity of upcycling a vintage bicycle into a cafe sign. The bike was delivered one afternoon, wheeled into my garden in a very wobbly fashion. Just what I have let myself in for? I took a look at the bike but through the many hours of work I could see ahead of me, I could see potential. A nice upcycling project. This bike was screaming out for a bit of upcycling, no pun intended! It was after all heading for the rubbish tip I had nothing to lose. I looked at t ..read more

I used to love receiving an aircraft model kit for Christmas. I had a real passion for airplanes as a kid, I loved going to the air shows to see the displays. It was a chance to see the wonders of the Red Arrows or the latest jet showing off it’s talents. I too showed to have a talent with the painting of the aircraft kits. I must have been only about 9 or 10yrs when I took some in to show and tell in school. This prompted the teacher to start an after school club for model making. Cool! It was a chance to get making some models, however I soon realised the gluing and assembling bit didn’t int ..read more

I thought it would be nice on the 95th birthday of David Attenborough to write this blog and my efforts to reduce the use of plastic in my work. I have been very inspired in recent years to reduce the amount of plastic we use in our everyday lives and in work. The documentaries by David Attenborough really hit home the cost to this planet the use of one use plastic we all take for granted. I had already in 2018 made a change and stopped using wet wipes or baby wipes in my work. Not only are they harsh on the hands (chemicals) on a busy all day event but I was shocked to discover they contain p ..read more

Well I have been making the changes over the last 2 years changing my stock of glitters over to the plant based biodegradable glitters! Not only is it free of micro plastics, cosmetic safe but also vegan friendly and not tested on animals. So it is a win, win! Luckily the last few years the industry has received a big push from the lovely face painters out there, all eager to make changes. It is a small step but the industry has took on board our wishes and now we have a fabulous range of eco glitters to choose from! Great for the festivals that are going plastic free, very little change to ou ..read more

Party Planning As we go into September and a new school year begins it’s the perfect time to get organised. Sorting out your child’s birthday party is one of those tasks that can feel overwhelming, especially if left to the last minute so why not plan it now? To help you get prepared here are my top 3 party planning tips so you can start the school year as you mean to go on; in control! 1. Don’t do it alone When you know what needs to be done, it is tempting to do it all yourself but sharing the workload reduces the risk of burnout. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you are s ..read more

Here at Irene’s Face Painting we have very high standards; we aim to provide a personal, professional and magical service. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my story with you so you can understand my journey and why I have such endless enthusiasm for face painting. ‘We is in Dream country,’ the BFG said. ‘This is where all dreams is beginning.’ I fell in love with face painting in December 2012 when I had training at the play centre where I worked. I have always been a creative type having spent many years as a graphic designer in the printing industry. After having children I need ..read more

7 Essential Tips For Festival Fun with Kids Making a festival the destination for a family holiday is becoming increasingly popular. To meet the demand there are now hundreds of family friendly events held in all four corners of the country and each one is packed full of fun activities for you and your family to enjoy.   There are potential pitfalls though and if you have never done it before we recommend some you take some simple steps to prepare you and your family for the wild realities of festival madness. Pick the festival right for your family Each festival is unique; take th ..read more

By day two of the summer holidays it is common for parents to have already become accustomed to the chorus of ‘I’m bored’ and ‘I’m hungry.’ It is almost impossible to avoid these chants entirely but you can certainly take the proactive approach and reduce their frequency! This isn’t necessarily about the big holidays or expensive days out, children get just as excited (if not more so) over the small moments you spend together, you don’t have to spend the entire 6 weeks worrying how to ‘entertain’ your brood, instead think of it differently, what can you do to create moments of family fun this ..read more